LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Two bars in the Highlands could end up losing their liquor licenses after Louisville Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) claimed both violated city regulations.
Afrokanza Lounge and Café 360 both received notices of a “criminal activity nuisance violation” this week. ABC Director Brad Silveria said the notices are the result of a months-long investigation into both establishments.
“Metro ABC has substantiated complaints of a disorderly premises and other violations made against Afrokanza and Café 306,” Silveria said in a statement to WHAS11. “We have referred these cases to Code Enforcement to ensure both establishments comply with local regulations.”
WATCH RELATED VIDEO BELOW:
"Nobody wants to have a business that is the centerpiece of violence. That said, we have rules and laws in this community for a reason and we have to enforce them," District 8 Councilman Ben Reno-Weber said.
Speaking to WHAS11 over the phone on his lunchbreak, Bobby said he's lived on nearby Bonnycastle Road for over 20 years, and that violence in the area started after Afrokanza moved in. Fear is why he won't use his full name, and why he's struggling with sleep some nights.
"Around 2 to 4 a.m., you hear loud gunshots and I've got down to where I just jump up, hit the side of the bed, roll under the bed, and pray," he said of one particularly loud week in May.
However, the violence gravitating around the bars isn't why they're being cited as a nuisance.
Earlier this year, Café 360 voluntarily suspended its extended liquor license for six months after Theodore Brown, 21, was fatally shot at the restaurant in March.
Notices from Louisville Metro's Alcoholic Beverage Control accuse each bar of serving alcohol past 2 a.m. at around 2:20 in the morning on June 9.
“The ability to serve alcohol in Louisville is a privilege reserved for those who are committed to maintaining a safe and orderly environment for the public by following the law and being a good neighbor to surrounding homes and businesses,” Silveria said.
Now, the businesses—and the owners of each building—must meet with Codes and Regulations and find a solution to their issues. If they can't reach an agreement, the businesses may be forced to close or lose their right to sell alcohol.
"We're kind of living in fear over this," Bobby said. "I feel like somebody needs to say something."
But until that's hashed out, people like Bobby just want their life back to normal.
Make it easy to keep up-to-date with more stories like this. Download the WHAS11 News app now. For Apple or Android users.
Have a news tip? Email assign@whas11.com, visit our Facebook page or Twitter feed.